Join “The People’s Procession” for Jack Layton Today

The People’s Procession has been officially recognized as part of the Jack Layton funeral entourage. We have been welcomed to join by the organizers of the journey from City Hall to the service at Roy Thomson Hall.

Anyone who wants to come and join the People’s Procession is encouraged to do so. Bikes, feet, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, kick scooters, skate boards. However you power yourself, feel empowered to play a part in honouring Jack.

12–12:30
We will meet at the southbound sidewalk – then the curb lane – of University, north of Queen (the north-west corner).

1:15 (ROUGHLY)
The bike police at the end of the formal procession will welcome us into the tail end of the cortege once it has turned south on University.

1:59
1-minute 21-bell salute at David Pecaut Square and elsewhere

ROUTE (subject to change)

From University, we will follow behind the funeral cortege to Roy Thomson Hall.

The full route from City Hall is as follows:

– west on Queen Street West
– south on University Avenue
– west on King Street West
– south on Simcoe Street and arriving at Roy Thomson Hall

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROUTE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED WITH THE POLICE COORDINATOR RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

Streets in the area will be closed to traffic at noon approximately.

MUSIC

There will be a giant band as part of this procession, members of Samba Elegua, Rambunctious and more. If you play a horn or a drum or something you can walk with, please join in.

THE SERVICE

Saturday’s state funeral starts at 2 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall. With limited seating available for the general public, organizers will give bracelets to the first 600 people in line.

Four large video screens will be set up in David Pecaut Square, to the west of Roy Thomson Hall, for overflow crowds.

As well, the CBC Broadcasting Centre will be open for people who can’t get into Roy Thomson Hall but would like to see the funeral on the large television located in the Barbara Frum Atrium.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church will be used for additional seating – with a live video feed – for people who would like to attend the state funeral for Jack Layton, which will take place across the street at Roy Thomson Hall on Saturday afternoon. All are welcome.